Frequently Asked Questions

These are common questions about the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce and the services it offers the community and the membership. For travel or recreation information please see the Relocation Information and Visitors Information sections of this website.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary membership organization of organizations from the for-profit, not for profit and government sectors that is focused on a specific mission as dictated by its membership. The Chamber is funded through membership dues and the sale of value-added products and services. It is not a part of the government or affiliated with any other group or organization.

Is the Chamber a local affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?

The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce is a completely independent organization from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Does the Chamber endorse political candidates?

The Chamber does not endorse individual candidates or political parties. The Chamber does take policy positions on issues of importance to the membership and the business community. The common support of a policy position should not be construed as an endorsement of any candidate of office holder.

Is the Chamber part of the City Government?

The Chamber is a voluntary membership organization of businesses and organizations that conduct business in the Southern New Hampshire region. The Chamber is a 501C(6) organization and does not a part of any government agency.

Is membership tax deductible?

A portion of businesses annual dues are deductible as an ordinary business expense. The Chamber is a registered 501C(6) organization. The Chamber dedicates a portion of every member’s dues to lobbying and business advocacy. As an advocate for the interests of our members, who commonly asks public policy makers for their support or opposition to legislation, not all of your businesses annual dues are deductible. While the exact percentage varies each year, for planning purposes a business may expect to deduct approximately 80% of their dues as a business expense. For the exact percentage that may be deducted, in any tax year, please call the Chamber and inquire.

Who can be a member?

Membership is available to any business, organization or government entity that wishes to support the Chamber’s mission and take advantage of the services provided by the organization. A business or organization becomes a member subsequent to its having paid its annual membership dues and having been accepted by vote of the Board of Directors.

Who in an organization is a member?

When an organization joins the Chamber membership, its dues are determined in part of the size of the organization and the number of employees it employs in the region. Consequently, all of the employees in the region are eligible to be considered members and may receive benefits.

Does the Chamber endorse products or services?

No. While the Chamber eagerly refers its members it does not endorse a specific product or service.

Can the Chamber provide a Certificate of Origin?

Yes. Certificates of Origin will be certified by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. They may be obtained for free by members and for a fee by non-members. They may be obtained through the Chamber’s office at 142 Main Street in Nashua’s downtown.

How many businesses belong to the Chamber?

In the Spring of 2011, 700 businesses and organizations belong to the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.

Does the Chamber offer a group health insurance plan for its membership?

No, state law forbids organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, from pooling members into group plans.

Does the Chamber keep record of businesses that were in the Nashua area and have now left?

No, the Chamber does not keep record of businesses that use to be located in the Nashua area.

Does the Chamber keep record of complaints about businesses in the Greater Nashua area?

No, the Chamber does not keep record of the business activities, whether it is positive or negative, of the businesses in the Greater Nashua area. When consumers call with this question we refer them to the Better Business Bureau: 603-224-1991.

What kind of information comes in a Relocation Package sent out by the Chamber?

The Chamber’s relocation package consists of our Gateways Relocation Magazine with our Pathways Visitors Guide, a map of the Greater Nashua Area, Demographics of the Greater Nashua area, a list of the area’s top 100 businesses, a Chamber Membership Directory, a visitor’s guide produced by New Hampshire’s Dept. of Travel and Tourism, and guides to the local real estate market.

Can I use a credit card to pay for dues?

Yes, the Chamber accepts: Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

I have both part-time and full-time employees, how do I count them for dues?

Membership dues are determined by applying a formula which takes into account the type and size of the business. This formula treats part-time employees as ½ a full-time employee when determining dues. For example, if a company has 10 full time and 8 part time employees, a total of 14 employees would be counted for the purpose of determining dues.

The number of employees fluctuates throughout the year; do I have to adjust during the year?

No, your dues are for the full year and any changes in employment levels are to be made at renewal. Your renewal dues should reflect the number of employees at that time your organization joins the chamber.

I have some questions about membership and may want to join over the phone, who do I contact?

Call 603-881-8333 or email Shaunae Nolet at snolet@nashuachamber.com. Shaunae is the Membership Director at the Chamber and can handle all issues related to joining and becoming involved in the Chamber.

Can’t find the answer to a question on the website?

Please feel free to call the Chamber during our business hours if you are unable to find the answer to a question on this page or within this site. We may be reached at 603-881-8333.